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Regional news

Indian Lake State Park Set to Reopen on March 29

Fox Island to remain closed; additional no-wake buoys added for safety

COLUMBUS__Governor Mike DeWine announced that Indian Lake State Park will re-open on Friday, March 29 following damage from the tornado and severe storms that struck Logan County on March 14. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of ODNR staff, local community members, and volunteer groups from across Ohio, this beloved recreation destination is ready to welcome back visitors well ahead of start of the summer season.

American Red Cross providing individual financial assistance in communities affected by tornadoes

Red Cross volunteers and staff have been on the ground since deadly tornadoes struck Ohio on March 14. Anyone  affected by the Central Ohio tornadoes, and needing assistance, should call 1-800-RedCross. 

The Red Cross has begun to distribute individual financial assistance to those who qualify. The Red Cross works with  community partners and agencies to identify households whose homes were destroyed or sustained eligible damage.

This financial assistance can help pay for a deposit on a new apartment, replace lost clothing or other belongings, cover  transportation expenses or other urgent needs. Anyone who would like to apply for assistance should meet with the Red  Cross at one of Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) listed below. For those unable to travel to the Assistance  Centers should call 1-800-RedCross. 

New Ohio Wildlife Officer assigned to Northwest Ohio

FINDLAY__Ohio Wildlife Officer Nolan Johnson, of Marblehead, has been assigned at-large in northwest Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Officer Johnson, 21, graduated from Danbury High School and then Hocking College in 2022 with a degree in natural resources law enforcement. During his downtime, Officer Johnson enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, and woodworking. Prior to becoming a wildlife officer, Johnson worked for the Division of Wildlife’s Sandusky Fisheries Research Station as a wildlife technician.

Officer Johnson is one of 13 Ohio wildlife officer cadets who completed the 32nd Wildlife Officer Training Academy and was sworn in as a commissioned wildlife officer during a graduation ceremony on Friday, March 15.

March 19 field reports from Ohio Division of Wildlife Officers

Northwest Ohio – Wildlife District Two
In February, State Wildlife Office Ryan Burke, assigned to Hancock County, was on patrol at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area. He was approached by two birders from Wooster who were unfamiliar with the area and seeking guidance. Officer Burke pointed out the portions of Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area open to walk-in access and gave the birders directions to good viewing locations for swans, ducks and short-eared owls. He also showed them the local bald eagle nest.

Governor declares State of Emergency in 11 Ohio counties

Activates Ohio National Guard

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation on March 17, declaring a state of emergency across 11 counties impacted by last week's severe weather. 

EF 3 Lakeview tornado among seven March 14 tornadoes in this region

A Public Information Statement from the National Weather Service in Wilmington OH on Fri Mar 15 provided the following tornado confirmations from Thursday, March 14:

Numerous long-track tornadoes have occurred, and our continued analysis will work to determine if some of these long swaths of damage are the result of a single tornado or multiple separate tornadoes.

Seven areas of tornadic damage have been identified within the NWS Wilmington OH coverage area. This count may change as we continue to assess the continuity of the damage.

* EF3 beginning in southern Auglaize County OH near Fryburg, continuing through the Lakeview area in northern Logan County OH. (An EF3 tornado has estimated wind speeds between 136 and 165 mph.)

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